Legislative Reports are prepared by Norm Pawlewski, our full-time State Legislative Lobbyist. Norm joined IFFC with prior lobbying experience and a strong commitment to the pro-life cause.
IOWA FAITH & FREEDOM COALITION LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Norm Pawlewski – Lobbyist
February 17, 2012
GAS TAX INCREASE – SENATE – HOUSE
SSB 3141 introduced by Sen. Tom Rielly (D) of Oskaloosa, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, passed out of that committee on a 11-2 vote. Three Republicans joined eight Democrats to raise the tax on gasoline by 10 cents a gallon by Jan. 1, 2014. Sen. Joni Ernst (R), Sen. Hubert Houser (R), and Sen. Tim Kapucian (R) voted for SSB 3241. Sen. Brad Zaun (R) and Sen. Jim Hahn (R) voted no. Why these three Republicans voted for the bill, only they can answer. It could have passed out of committee without their votes.
HSB 547 introduced by Rep. Dave Tjepkes of Gowrie, chair of the House Transportation Committee, has not yet been voted on by the full committee. Some House Republicans are in favor of the bill; how many won’t be known until a vote is taken. The House version raises the gasoline tax by 4 cents per gallon in May of 2013 and another 4 cents in May of 2014.
There are other provisions in these bills, but the gasoline tax increase is the major purpose for them. When fully implemented, it is expected that as much as $220 million will flow into the state’s coffers. The average driver will contribute about $65 per year.
Supporters of the increase, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa League of Cities, Travel Federation of Iowa, Good Roads Association and the Iowa Soybean Association say the revenue is needed to repair deteriorating roads and bridges. Fair enough, but isn’t there another way to get the needed resources to get the job done? How about finding money in the current budget that has a much lower priority than roads and bridges? Is a higher tax the only solution available? What about Republican pledges not to raise taxes?
I realize that 8 cents or 10 cents a gallon, when gas is $3.50 or possibly going to $5.00 per gallon, doesn’t seem like a big deal. But when you look at the big picture, $220 million going into the state treasury, it sounds like a big deal. I would hope our Republican and Democrat legislators take a hard look at the state budget to find better ways of getting the job done without resorting to taking more money out of taxpayers’ pockets.
INTERNET
GAMBLING
HSB-626 introduced by the House State Government Committee chair, Rep. Peter Cownie (R) of Polk, would expand Iowa’s gaming industry by allowing Internet poker to the mix. A similar bill, SSB 3164, was introduced by Sen. Jeff Danielson (D) of Black Hawk, chair of the Senate State Government Committee.
The Senate version will face its first test on Feb. 20th at 2:00 p.m. in a sub-committee made up of Sen. Danielson (D), Sen. Horn (D), and Sen. Bertrand (R). It is expected to pass out of the sub and be referred to the full committee.
The House sub-committee made up of Rep. Cownie (R), Rep. Iverson (R), and Rep. Wenthe (D), has not, as yet, scheduled a meeting on HSB 626.
Both of the bills expand gambling in Iowa and offer a new opportunity for problem gamblers to get into trouble.
Why do some people want to approve this additional form of gambling? They say Iowans are already doing it, so we need to protect them from some of the Internet predators that have taken advantage of an unregulated system. But they also say that the state is losing millions of dollars by not taking their cut.
If you believe as we do, that Iowa already has more gambling than is healthy for us, then I suggest you contact your legislators and tell them what you think about bringing casinos into the homes of Iowans by Internet.
WEB CAM BAN
Several bills to ban the use of Web Cams to catch speeders and red light violators are making their way through both chambers. Those of you who have contacted your legislators asking them to support the bans may be making some headway. Keep it up. We may get this newest privacy intrusion banned. The governor said he would sign a bill if it got to his desk. Continue to contact your legislators on this issue.
Sen. Brad Zaun (R) of Urbandale has an interesting take on this issue. His bill, SF 2191, requires that the money a city or county collects from traffic cameras, after costs, be distributed to non-profits by a five member citizens’ committee. No elected officials could serve on the committee.
I wonder how many municipalities would continue to utilize traffic cameras without the incentive of all those dollars flowing into their coffers. It is about safety, after all, isn’t it?
THE SECOND
AMENDMENT
There is a civil (I think it’s civil) war going on within the supporters of the 2nd Amendment. Some supporters are pushing for an unfettered right to bear arms. Others, although supporting “ownership and carry rights,” are not comfortable with that notion. Let your legislators know just how far you are willing to take the Second Amendment. Two former state troopers, Rep. Clel Baudler and Rep. Dave Tjepkes, have expressed some reservations about a “pure” Second Amendment right.
NEW
REPUBLICAN PARTY STATE CHAIRMAN
On a close vote of the State Central Committee, A. J. Spiker of Ames was elected chair of the Iowa Republican Party replacing Matt Strawn. A. J. is a realtor with Friedrich Iowa Realty. He is married, the father of three, a conservative, and well known to the leadership of Iowa Faith and Freedom. It didn’t take long for critics to begin questioning his selection.
A. J. was local coordinator for the Campaign for Liberty and active in the several committees to elect, most recently the Dr. Ron Paul campaign. On his election, he immediately removed himself from any connections to any candidate for president.
I have no doubt that A. J. will conduct himself honorably and without bias against any Republican candidate, office holder, or member. He is an intelligent, competent, successful businessman who will lead the party rightly. If you want to know more about A. J., I suggest you Google him.
ABORTION
LEGISLATION
A sub-committee, chaired by Rep. Joel Fry (R) of Osceola passed out to the full committee. HF 2033 which would require “that prior to performing an abortion, a physician must certify in the woman’s medical record that the woman has undergone an ultrasound imaging of the fetus,” and other provisions.
Our only suggestion on the bill was that it specifies the qualifications of the person performing the ultrasound. We believe this bill has a chance for passage, if it can clear the Human Resources full committee.
Two “prohibition of abortions” were introduced. HF 2298 by Rep. Kim Pearson of Pleasant Hill and SF 2194 by Sen. Kent Sorenson of Indianola. The bills are identical. They are fairly complex, making a number of changes to the Iowa Code. If you are pro-life, I suggest you read one or the other.
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~~Psalm 15:1-4, O Lord, who may abide in Thy tent?
Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?
He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness,
And speaks truth in his heart.
He does not slander with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
In whose eyes a reprobate is despised,
But who honors those who fear the Lord
He swears to his own hurt, and does not change;~~